Old SxS Double Experts
For some time, now, I've wanted to own an older model side by side double shotgun, for no particular reason, kinda like Forrest Gump.
I have a line on an Ithaca 12 Ga hammerless double barrel with 30 inch barrels choked improved cylinder and full. Barrel blue is about 90%. Bore looks excellent. Has original stock finish and original Ithaca butt plate. Butt has light crack with old repair. Gun mfg. in 1921 and has steel barrels marked "smokeless steel".
Do any of you folks, who know a lot more about these than I do, think something like this would be a useable shotgun and worth three and a quarter? Is it true that these were chambered for 2 1/2 inch shells rather than 2 3/4?
To ride, shoot straight, and speak the truth--This was the ancient Law of Youth.
Old times are past, old days done; But the Law runs true, O little son!
- Charles T. Davis
I have a line on an Ithaca 12 Ga hammerless double barrel with 30 inch barrels choked improved cylinder and full. Barrel blue is about 90%. Bore looks excellent. Has original stock finish and original Ithaca butt plate. Butt has light crack with old repair. Gun mfg. in 1921 and has steel barrels marked "smokeless steel".
Do any of you folks, who know a lot more about these than I do, think something like this would be a useable shotgun and worth three and a quarter? Is it true that these were chambered for 2 1/2 inch shells rather than 2 3/4?
To ride, shoot straight, and speak the truth--This was the ancient Law of Youth.
Old times are past, old days done; But the Law runs true, O little son!
- Charles T. Davis
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griz;
The Ithaca doubles are very good guns. Some questions however.
1) does the gun close smoothly and lock tightly?
2) Have you inspected the firing pin tips, it is not uncommon to find one with broken firing pins. 3) what Model is this gun?
If all is well, and in the condition you discribe, It would be a useable shotgun. I would advise NO MAGNUM LOADS, these gun were built and proofed before such loads existed. Some of the older Ithaca, and other SxS's, were chambered in the European 2&9/16 length, ammo is available in the shorter length, thru the European makers but is some what more expensive. Although most were chambered for 2&3/4. You will have to measure the chamber to be sure. As for the price, In my opinion, it is in line for an Ithaca double. As I said earlier, they are very good guns, well made and fitted. Hope this helps.
Kill all the lawyers and the world will be much better for it.0 -
Python has given you good advice. In all likelihood, since you say that it is a 1921 gun (s/n under 400,000?) it has "short chambers". It probably is what is known as a "Flues" model, referring to the frame design, and precedes what is known as the NID (New Ithaca Double). Look on the watertable for a model designation--F= Field, 1= grade one, etc. to determine what model it is. If it is a short chamber gun, your 'smith can ream the chambers to 2-3/4", but I wouldn't fire high velocity shells in it. Old Ithacas are fine guns, approaching the value of Foxes, Parkers, and Smiths, but don't bring what they do. However, based on your appraisal, the price is in line. 0
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